As "By Referral Only Consultants" our primary focus is you. When you hire us or introduce us to someone important to you, it is our job to make sure the experience is fantastic from our first meeting until after you have made your move. Through the buying / selling process we will:

Consult - together we will design a clear plan that will take you smoothly from our first appointment to the day you receive keys to your new home

Negotiate - with over 40 years combined experience in our market, we keep your interests front and centre

Oversee - all the details of your transaction to minimize the opportunity for "surprises" to interfere with your plan

Our Purpose is for you to be so outrageously happy with the help we provide you, that you will rave about your experience and gladly introduce us to the people you care about most, both during and long after your transaction is complete.

March 09, 2011

Keller Williams Realty Climbs to Second-Largest Real Estate Franchise in United States

Goals set for worldwide expansion to add 75,000 international associates

AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 8, 2011)—Keller Williams® Realty Inc., announced today that it is now the second-largest real estate franchise in the United States based on the total number of sales professionals, surpassing Century 21, according to research conducted by REAL Trends, a leading source of analysis and information in the residential real estate industry. The company claimed the number two spot with 77,672 U.S.-based associates at the end of 2010, just two years after claiming the number three spot from RE/MAX® International.

“Once again, this milestone achievement is a direct result of the dedication of our associates and the stability and profitability of the Keller Williams business models," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “It’s incredible to see the momentum that our associates and our offices have right now."

This news comes one week after the announcement of positive growth by the company at their annual convention in Anaheim. Including its presence in Canada, Keller Williams closed the year with 79,315 associates and 701 market centers (offices). At the convention, Willis also shared that Keller Williams associate profit share was up 7.2 percent, with its agents receiving $34.6 million dollars back in 2010. Despite industry contraction, Keller Williams associates across North America also showed significant percentage gains in listings taken (+13%), contracts closed volume (+9%) and contracts closed units (+6%).

The company also formed Keller Williams Worldwide with Chris Heller as president, citing plans for global expansion, with plans to grow the division by an additional 75,000 associates in 10 years.

“Our goals are to expand the Keller Williams Realty model – with the focus on training and our sound business models," said Chris Heller, president of KW Worldwide. “And, when looking for the right country and business partners in planning for expansion, we will not sacrifice the perfect fit with our mission, vision and the KW culture, those are absolutely necessary."

“It is such an honor to be a part of a company with such dedicated and driven people," said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. “Our associates are setting the pace in the industry. It is truly an exciting time to be in real estate and to be a part of the Keller Williams family."

February 27, 2011

The author believes that you are guaranteed to be rewarded with the 10 human victories if you embrace the philosophies of leading without a title.

The 10 Human Victories

1. You reach your end full of happiness and fulfillment on realizing that you are all used up - having spent the fullness of your talents, the biggest of your resources and best of your potential doing great work and leading a rare-air life.2. You reach your end knowing that you played at a standard of concentrated excellence and held yourself to the most impeccable of standards in each thing that you did.3. You reach your end in noisy celebration for having the boldness of spirit to have regularly confronted your largest fears and realized your highest visions.4. You reach your end and recognize that you became a person who built people up versus one who tore people down.5. You reach your end with the understanding that your journey may have not always been a smooth one, whenever you got knocked down you instantly got back up - and at all times, never suffered from any loss of optimism.6. You reach your end and bask in the staggering glory of your phenomenal achievements along with the rich value you have contributed to the lives of the people you were lucky to serve.7. You reach your end and adore the strong, ethical, inspirational and emphatic person you grew into.8. You reach your end and realize that you were a genuine innovator who blazed new trails instead of following old roads.9. You reach your end surrounded with teammates who call you a rock star, customers who say you're a hero and loved ones who call you a legend.10. You reach your end as a true Leader Without a Title, knowing that the great deeds you did will endure long after your death and that your life stands as a model of possibility.(Shared with you from "The Leader Who Had No Title")

We can coast through life mired in regret. Or we can live a life of enthusiasm, fulfillment and leadership allowing ourselves to experience the victory that Sharma speaks of. It's our choice!

February 23, 2011

‎"The Signature Team" is proud to be associated with such a great company.... through a high level of education and a focus on integrity and trust, Keller Williams Realty continues to be a positive asset to our business...

February 16, 2011

Fixer uppers for sale are favorites of those who are in the house flip business and for good reason. The fact that they are hugely under priced makes them more attractive for potential buyers. This is because house flipping is essentially buying a cheap house and remodeling it to gain a large resale profit. Ideally, the lower its purchase price, the larger the potential profit margin becomes.

However, there are certain factors that may prevent a house flipper from generating the maximum profit out of a flipping project. Some of them are actually foreseeable but nonetheless could be taken for granted especially if the house flipper is a newbie. These factors may include a wrong location, high costs of repairs and other issues that are often overlooked by the buyer. To prevent these factors from hindering you in attaining your objective, here are some of the things that you should do.

Get A Professional Inspection

When inspecting fixer uppers for sale, one of the best things that you can do is to do it professionally. After all, you are going to enter into a business and hence, you should take every step to secure your investment.

A professional inspector can give you a comprehensive report on the general and particular conditions of each room in the house. This is to ensure that you can make a sound judgment in buying as well as repairing the house.

Experts agree that more than the aesthetic considerations, you should focus your efforts in making structural improvements. If you have gotten a professional inspector, you will see how important it is when you see the reports for the plumbing, insulation, pest control and other structural issues.

To get a good estimate of your profit, you should factor in all your projected costs labor, materials, and even the time factor which could stretch for weeks and months. It is important, therefore, that you look for a property that has the best return potential in terms of costs and physical condition.

You should also think of how you are going to sell the property once you have finished the renovation. Think of what a potential buyer would want to see when he inspects the house. Many real estate agents agree that buyers are specific about the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. You can focus your repairs and remodeling on these areas.

Many successful house flippers also know that improvements to fixer uppers for sale which add value to the house will also work to attract potential buyers. These improvements need not be expensive nor occupy a large space in the house. Even a good cabinetry work or a unique bathroom concept could work for a buyer.

If you have an interest in getting into the house flipping business your first step is to call our team and setup a consutation. We will discuss the ins-and-outs with you and go through your options.

February 05, 2011

In the first month of 2011, 428 homes exchanged hands, down 9.3% from the previous year.

"The ten-year average for January sales stands at 458," explains LSTAR President Jack Lane. "So, while this month's figures are nothing to get excited about, they are also nothing to be concerned about. Slow and steady wins the race."

This month’s sales included 347 detached homes (down 8% from the previous year) and 81 condos (down 14.7% from the previous year). “Although average home prices have increased slightly year over year, their increase from one month to the next is far more modest and more fully represents the level and pace of actual appreciation,” says Lane. “If you look at the difference between average price in December 2010 and January 2011, you’ll see that we’re actually down 1.5%.” Compared to the last month of 2010 the average price for a home is down 2.6% and the average price of a condo is up 5.4%.

January 23, 2011

I recently picked up this book written by Robin Sharma thinking that learning more about being a leader would help me in life. You see, I believe that I'm part of a great family that would be even greater with better leadership. I'm also, as you know, part of The Signature Team which has such potential for greatness in an industry seemingly full of mediocrity.

The author points out early that every human being has a leader within them. If every person in the organization, the team, the family shows up every day devoted to expressing their absolute best, there is no other option but success for the group.

Sharma shares a tool with us that can help us to play big every day. He gives us the list, "The 10 Human Regrets". These 10 things we don't want to realize as we lay on our deathbed, can motivate us to live a life full of love and energy.

The 10 Human Regrets

1. You reach your last day with the brilliant song that your life was meant to sing still silent within you.2. You reach your last day without ever having experienced the natural power that inhabits you to do great work and achieve great things.3. You reach your last day realizing that you never inspired anyone else by the example that you set.4. You reach your last day full of pain at the realization that you never took any bold risks and so you never received any bright rewards.5. You reach your last day understanding that you missed the opportunity to catch a glimpse of mastery because you bought into the lie that you had to be resigned to mediocrity.6. You reach your last day and feel heartbroken that you never learned the skill of transforming adversity into victory and lead into gold.7. You reach your last day regretting that you forgot that work is about being radically helpful to others rather than being helpful only to yourself.8. You reach your last day with the awareness that you ended up living the life that society trained you to want versus leading the life you truly wanted to have.9. You reach your last day and awaken to the fact that you never realized your absolute best nor touched the special genius that you were built to become.10. You reach your last day and discover you could have been a leader and left this world so much better than you found it. But you refused to accept that mission because you were just too scared. And so you failed. And wasted a life.(Shared with you from "The Leader Who Had No Title")

Having the knowledge of these regrets can help us to avoid living them and to become great leaders. As the Army tells us, "Be All that you can be".

January 17, 2011

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s new regulations to tighten mortgage lending will target the most at-risk borrowers and are unlikely to derail the country’s property market, economists say.

Under the new measures, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will no longer backstop any loan longer than 30 years, down from 35 years. It will also no longer insure home equity lines of credit. The amount that can be borrowed against a home has also been cut to 85% from 90% of the value of the property.

Economists say the steps will only affect a small number of potential borrowers and specifically those most at risk of over-extending their finances.

“The measures are surgical and precise enough and are aimed at the group that we wanted to target without derailing the property market as a whole for no good reason,” CIBC senior economist Benjamin Tal said.

Tal estimates the steps could cut mortgage lending by about 2% and therefore won’t have a significant impact on banks or other areas of the market, such as new home building.

For the borrower looking at a 35-year mortgage, it will mean a reduction of about 7% in the size of the loan they are able to take, he said.

The government and the Bank of Canada have repeatedly warned over the past year that high levels of household debt — now running at a record 148% of income — pose a threat to the economy. The concern is that many will find themselves unable to meet payments once interest rates, still near historic lows, return to more normal levels.

Queen’s University professor John Andrews, director of the school's Real Estate Roundtable, said more measures may be yet to come, such as an increase in minimum down payments.

“These are fairly minor changes that will affect the bottom end of the market,” he said. “It will definitely keep some people out of the market, but they will probably be the first-time buyers.”

Canada’s property market was one of the best-performing among developed nations in 2010, though it was also one of the most volatile. Unusually high activity in the first two quarters gave way to a slower-than-normal summer as interest rates began to rise and the harmonized sales tax came into force in British Columbia and Ontario.

The most recent figures from the Canadian Real Estate Association point to a return to stability in December, setting up a solid start to the new year.

Sales were down 0.6% from the previous month, but were above 10-year average levels and prices gained 2%, CREA said last week.

January 11, 2011

We are having a FREE First-Time Home Buyers’ Seminar on Wednesday January 26th at 7pm.

Please forward this email to your friends, neighbours, family members, and coworkers who might benefit from learning the process of buying their first home.

This session will save you time, money, and worry, even if you’ve owned a home before. Here are a few of the topics:

· Help answering the question, “Am I ready to buy a home?”· How to choose the right real estate and mortgage consultant.· What Lenders are looking for when approving you for a home loan.· Understanding your credit score.· How to get pre-approved to buy a home that you can afford.· Information on how to buy a home with zero down payment.

You will leave this FREE seminar with a clear vision of how the process comes together, as well as a FREE Home Buyers’ Handbook for easy reference.

Date: January 26th, 2011Location: To Be DeterminedTime: 7pm to 8pm

Please register by Wednesday January 19th, 2011 at 888-820-7077 ext. 30 or email info@thesignatureteam.ca· Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early to grab a good seat.· Seating is limited. If you do have to cancel once you’ve registered, please notify us immediately so we can free up the seat for someone else.

January 05, 2011

By Year End, 2010 had managed to outstrip 2009 by a modest 0.7% in terms of sales. A total of 8,128 homes exchanged hands in 2010 – 6,587 detached homes (up 0.4%) and 1,541 condos (up 2.1%), putting sales for last year on par with those of 2002 and 2003. "Both of those years were banner years for real estate," says Richard Thyssen, 2010 President of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®. "Our Census Metropolitan Area took a hit with the Great Recession, but we bounced back. Holding our own over the past year is evidence that the sort of market stabilization that both the Canadian Real Estate Association and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation forecast in the autumn of 2010 is, indeed, taking place. "

A total of 381 homes exchanged hands last December – 301 detached homes and 80 condos, down 14.7% and 5.9% respectively from December 2009. However, to put these figures into perspective, December 2009 had the distinction of being the best December on record with 438 sales. "We were just coming out of the downturn," explains Thyssen. "There was a lot of pent up demand that got met in December 2009, which accounts for the unusually high volume of sales." The average number of sales during December over the past decade stands at 379.

The average price for a home in the Association’s jurisdiction in 2010 rose 6.3% for detached homes to stand at $240,147, 7.9% for condos to stand at $171,098 , and 6.4% for total residential to stand at $227.056. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar

December 14, 2010

U.S. real estate looks attractive. For those Canadians who have long thought about buying a vacation home in Florida or Arizona now seems to be a once-in-a lifetime buying opportunity. The loonie is high and real estate prices are bargain-basement following the worst housing collapse in decades. A U.S. vacation home has rarely been cheaper.

But real estate is a long–term investment with added complexity for foreign owners and should not be undertaken lightly. Potential purchasers need to consider taxation, financing, and insurance matters. The purchase of U.S. real estate has to make sense on many fronts and not only on currency considerations.

December 03, 2010

The London area has snapped its long losing streak in housing, with a 6.2% spike in sales last month.

November's numbers -- 620 homes moved -- were this year's first monthly increase in sales, compared to last years, since June.

Every month in between, sales plunged by double-digit levels.

It's a sign the real-estate market is stabilizing and, if anything, coming around faster than expected, one analyst says.

The local real-estate industry's point man echoes that.

"I think we are in a balanced market -- we should see a decent spring," said Richard Thyssen, president of the London St. Thomas Association of Realtors.

David Lan of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said he didn't expect to see a sales recovery until early next year, so the latest numbers are a pleasant surprise.

He's forecast a modest recovery in the market next year, saying London-St. Thomas should see about 8,100 sales in 2011.

While that's down from a peak of nearly 9,400 sales in 2007, before the brutal recession hit the area's manufacturing backbone, it's still considered respectable.

"The overall number will not be that high, but it will be a stable year," said Lan.

November's figures show the market is evening out and shaking off the effects of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which took effect July 1, said Thyssen.

"It was nice to see things come back after the HST and the downturn that was expected in the summer," he said.

The bright local economic twist came together with a national one Wednesday, with a big-bank study saying household debt in Canada may not be as bad as the headlines suggest and consumers aren't likely to slam the brakes on spending next year.

Focusing only on rising debt, now worth nearly one-and-a-half-times household income, overlooks that family wealth has also risen, the BMO Capital Markets study said. Household net worth is now about six times disposable income, helped by rebounding stock markets and a better savings rate, it said.

After setting a record in May, real-estate sales in the London area waned through summer and fall, falling 15 to 21% from the same period in 2009.

While the 13% HST doesn't apply directly to homes, it affects buyers' other costs -- such as real-estate commissions, moving and legal fees.

There was a strong surge in demand in the London-area market in the first five months of this year, largely driven by fears mortgage rates would rise, Lan said.

That depleted the pool of potential buyers for months. But Lan said mortgage rates have been stable, even dropping, and buyers are starting to drift back.

Prices have held up well in the London-St. Thomas market, despite the recent downturn, Thyssen noted.

The average price of homes sold in November was $223,096, up 3.6% from the same month last year.

October 19, 2010

Sometimes it feels good to be surprised, but Tuesday’s anticipated announcement by the Bank of Canada that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1 percent was a relief. The global economic recovery is entering a new phase, and the Bank of Canada is now expecting weaker-than-projected recovery across the board, especially in the United States. Canada is not an exception in this shift in projections since July’s Monetary Policy Report, as the Bank continues to expect the economic recovery here will also be more gradual.

Corresponding to the overnight right maintaining at 1 percent, the Bank Rate is set at 1 ¼ percent and the deposit rate is set at ¾ percent. Growth rates in Canada are expected to be 3.0 percent in 2010, 2.3 percent in 2011, and 2.6 percent in 2012. Although a portion of this more subdued profile is a result of the more gradual global recovery, it also takes into account a more subdued expectation for Canadian household spending. The projections around household spending come from the decline in housing activity, and as a result, the increased focus on household debt considerations.

Instead of focusing on household and government expenditures, the composition of demand in Canada is expected to shift towards business investment and net exports.

Inflation in Canada has remained slightly below the July projections of the Bank of Canada, but the expectation is that the economy will return to full capacity by the end of 2012 instead of the previously forecasted beginning of that year.

It was a combination of all of these factors that the decision was reached to maintain the target for the overnight rate at 1 percent. This new announcement continues to keep considerable monetary stimulus in place to continue to achieve the 2 percent inflation target during a time when Canada is coping with a significant excess of supply. Given the transition in the global recovery, the weaker U.S. outlook, constraints beginning to moderate growth in emerging-market economies, and Canadian considerations that are expected to slow spending and housing activity in Canada, the Bank would need to carefully consider any further reduction in monetary policy stimulus.

Although this announcement is driven by a weaker global economy, the management of the painful current global reality within the confines of the Canadian economy should create a sigh of relief for the real estate and mortgage industry, as there is not any new pressure being pushed onto the industry after a painful 2nd quarter in 2010.

April 29, 2010

In 2009, The Signature Team set aside and donated $2700 to The Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex (ASLM). We would like to express our gratitude to all who helped us reach this level of giving. Our thanks goes out to everyone who bought or sold a home with our team this past year as well as everyone who introduced a friend or family member for advice.

As a team, we contribute a portion of each transaction to The Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex so we can help make a difference against Alzheimers and Dementia which have personally affected our own families in the past. With your help we would love to double our contribution in 2010!

September 28, 2009

A new national survey by ReMax has some kind words about the rebounding London-St. Thomas real estate market.

The survey by the real-estate brokerage network says house values have recovered in many major Canadian markets to where they were before the market downturn last year.

The survey found house values equal or ahead of record highs set in 2008 in seven of the 11 markets surveyed, including London-St. Thomas.

The survey cited London-St. Thomas along with Halifax, Regina, Ottawa and Winnipeg as markets that "have provided steady returns (especially in recent years), with minimal fluctuation."

The survey said the London-St. Thomas market offers good value and is drawing buyers from the Toronto area.

"Purchasers from across the Golden Horseshoe and across the globe recognize its position as an attainable centre for home ownership."

The report praises London's economic diversification and investments in revitalization and capital projects.

The ReMax report said the London market suffered from the downturn in manufacturing but has already showed signs of rebounding with the strongest activity in starter homes ranging from $150,000 to $220,000.

The average home price of about $213,000 has recovered to year-ago levels and while the number of sales is down 10% year-to-date, the report predicts the market will pick up by the end of 2009.

"London's reputation as a slow but sure market has prompted a steady rise in home ownership levels," says the report.

Across Canada, ReMax said the average price was $312,585, up 0.5% from a year ago.

August 11, 2009

Let us update you on how the real estate market is doing in London this year.

As you all know by now the market was very sluggish during the first 2 months of 2009 following a couple of awful months to finish off 2008. However, things started to rebound in March (the beginning of the spring market). The spring market continued to pickup steam to the extent that many of the numbers that define how the market is performing have risen to acceptable levels when considering the year so far versus last year at this time.

Let me show you some of these numbers:

1. Homes sold so far this year down 11.5% over last year (we were down about 30% at the end of March - quite a recovery)

2. Active listings currently available down 14% from this time last year (less homes for sale make the market more balanced and help keep prices strong)

3. Average sale price is currently almost $214,000 which is about 2% higher than it was in 2008 (there may have been a temporary drop in price during the past year but the average price is higher than ever before)

With the continuation of record low interest rates house affordability is still very good. Home sellers are still able to get a fair price when selling. We believe that the fall will bring further strenthening of the London Real Estate market.

April 07, 2009

Sixty-five percent of Canadians think it's a buyer's market right now and more than a quarter of those surveyed say they intend to purchase a home over the next two years, says the 16th annual RBC Homeownership Survey.The number of people who say they will buy within the next two years is up four points from 23 percent in 2008. Almost half of those surveyed say it makes more sense to buy a home now than waiting until next year.

The RBC survey found that younger Canadians are most likely to spark an upsurge in home sales. In the under 35 group, 48 percent said they plan to buy, which is up sharply from 36 percent last year. Renters also appear to be saying they are tired of paying someone else's mortgage payment, with 38 percent planning to become homeowners in the next two years.

"The current economic environment does not appear to have dampened Canadians' overall confidence in the housing market," says Karen Leggett, head of home equity financing for RBC Royal Bank."Canadians continue to have an overwhelming belief in the long-term value of a home and we're seeing this in the buying intentions of many first time homebuyers this year."

A large majority of Canadians (83 percent) remain positive that homeownership is a good investment. While the proportion is slightly down from 85 percent in 2008 and from the all-time high of 90 percent in 2006, it is still 10 points stronger than it was a decade ago (72 percent).

Among those who intend to buy, three in 10 say favourable housing price is a major reason driving their decision. In a marked change from last year, 54 percent of Canadians believe housing prices will be lower in 2009, up from 31 percent in 2008. Similarly, the study showed 14 percent of Canadians believe their home has lost value in the last two years. Of these, most (54 percent) think it will take three to five years for their homes to recover its value.

"Low mortgage rates and favourable housing prices are influencing home purchase intentions this year and may be the reason why more Canadians are poised to purchase over the next two years," says Leggett.

The primary reason stated by homeowners not planning to purchase a home is that they are content with the home they have (60 percent). Job loss/employment factors (8 percent) as well as general concerns about the economy (6 percent) also influenced people's decisions not to buy a home.

The poll was conducted between January 6 and 9.

This article was reprinted from the April 2009 issue of REM (Real Estate Marketing) Magazine.

Home renovation tax credit:Homeowners can claim a non-refundable 15% tax credit on eligible home renovation costs incurred and paid after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010, under agreements entered into after January 27, 2009.

The tax credit is available on expenses exceeding $1,000, but a maximum of $10,000 of expenses qualify per family unit, so that the maximum credit will be $1,350 (i.e., $9,000 x 15%).

Home Buyers' Plan:Commencing January 28, 2009, first-time home buyers can withdraw $25,000 from a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to purchase or build a home, without incurring tax. Previously, the limit was $20,000.

First-time home buyers' tax credit:First-time home buyers that acquire a qualifying home after January 27, 2009, can claim a 15% non-refundable tax credit on up to $5,000, for a maximum credit of $750. If a home is purchased jointly, the total credit that may be claimed by all purchasers is $750. The unused portion of the credit can be transferred to a spouse or common-law partner.

December 03, 2008

Monday afternoon (December 1) on London In The Afternoon, Mike Stubbs from 1290 CJBK announced the lucky winner of The Signature Team's "Great Snow Thrower Giveaway".

Doug Harrison of London has won the Toro Power Max Two Stage Snow Thrower with a retail value of $1620.00 which has been on display at Hyde Park Equipment, 2034 Mallard Rd in London throughout the month of November.

Meg Hetherington and Rob Rudell from The Signature Team of Royal LePage Triland Realty, Brokerage would like to sincerely thank Toro, Larry and Jeff at Hyde Park Equipment, 1290 CJBK and all the people who entered the Toro Great Snow Thrower Giveaway.

December 01, 2008

How to Repair Your Credit and Improve Your Score

Credit Score is the method used by financial institutes to measure your financial health at a specific point in time. It indicates the risk you represent for lenders, compared with other consumers. In Canada, credit history is recorded in files maintained by at least one of Canada's three major credit-reporting bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion and Northern Credit Bureaus Inc.). These files are called credit reports – a "snapshot" of your credit history.

There is a rising tide of spam offering "credit repair" for a fee. Beware of these companies; their ability to change the information that appears in your credit file is no different than anyone else's! Only your creditors are able to alter this information. Therefore you do not need to pay a third party to obtain, review or make changes to your credit report. You have the right to access your information and make changes to your file if there is an inaccuracy.

What should you do if you have bad credit?

Before you pay someone to advise you how to fix your credit, check out these simple steps to help you build a better credit rating:

1. Request a copy of your credit report from the three credit-reporting agencies at least once a year to verify that your personal information is up to date and your financial information is correct, and to ensure that you have not been the victim of identity fraud. Because your credit information can be kept by more than one credit-reporting agency, and because those agencies do not necessarily share information, it's important to check all three credit reports carefully. You can get a copy of your credit history from the above agencies websites for a small fee.

2. Check your credit history thoroughly. Look for errors and make sure the information in the report is correct and up to date. If you believe that the information in your credit report is incorrect, contact the financial institution that reported the information to see if an error was made. You could also file a dispute with the three credit-reporting bureaus explaining your situation.

3. Analyse your finances. Make a list of everything you owe, the interest rate each debt carries, and the minimum payment due each month. Then, prioritize your debt: mortgage, real estate taxes, credit cards and bills should be paid in that order.

4. Negotiate with your creditors for a lower interest rate.

5. Pay your bills on time. Although the payment of your utility bills, such as phone, cable and electricity, is not recorded in your credit report, some companies may report late payments to the credit-reporting agencies, which could affect your score. Try to pay your bills in full by the due date. If you aren't able to do this, pay at least the required minimum amount shown on your monthly credit card statement.

6. Try to pay your debts as quickly as possible. The faster you pay your loans the less interest you will pay in the long run which means more available money to pay other bills.

7. Don't go over the credit limit on your credit card. Try to keep your balance below 25% of the limit. The higher your balance, the more impact it has on your credit score. You're better off spreading out your debt between three or four different cards than having it all piled on one card.

8. Reduce the number of credit applications you make. If too many potential lenders ask about your credit in a short period of time, this may have a negative effect on your score. However, your score does not change when you ask for information about your own credit report.

9. Make sure you have a credit history. You may have a low score because you do not have a record of owing money and paying it back. You can build a credit history by using a credit card.

10. Don't share credit (except with a spouse). Think carefully before you agree to co-sign a loan. It is easy to wind up in a situation where that friend or relative stops paying his or her bills (for whatever reason) and your credit will take a big hit. Once you're a co-signer for a loan, you're legally obligated to make those payments, whether or not you can afford them.

Show the credit system that you are a responsible money manager. A bad mark on your credit report will remain on your credit record for a maximum of 7 years. Pay your bills on time. Don't bounce any cheques. Don't overdraw your account at the bank (even if you have overdraft protection). You should only borrow money because you want to, not because you have to. In this way you will repair your credit and avoid a bad credit report in the future.

November 03, 2008

The Toro Power Max Two Stage Snow Thrower - The perfect combination of brute force and ergonomic design, Toro's breakthrough line of Power max Snowthrowers bring snow removal into the next millennium. Designed to eliminate the common hassles associated with snow removal, the Power Max line is powerful, easy to use and built to last. Retail value $1,620.00. See it on display at Hyde Park Equipment, 2034 Mallard Road in London.

Mike Stubbs from 1290 CJBK will announce the lucky winner on London In The Afternoon Monday December 1st!

Learn more about The Signature Team of Royal LePage Triland Realty, Brokerage, Your Real Estate Consultants... for Life! Visit their website at http://www.signaturenewstalk.com

September 05, 2008

There are a very high number of homeowners compared to renters in London, so you find that the majority of people take very good care of their homes and community.

The London area is home to some of the finest horse farms in Ontario. Take the kids for a horseback ride, they'll love it!

One of the best things about this community is that it's close to the city and close to the country. We've had friends tell us they've moved to London from a loft in downtown Toronto, and it's been a much more relaxed and enjoyable pace of life.

If you have any questions about the community, feel free to call us at 519-661-0886 ext 111 or email us today!

Here's a great website to calculate your mortgage payments and help you budget your payments...click on the calculator and see how it works!

This shouldn't be used as a replacement for professional advice from a mortgage specialist but only as a guide to get you started. As you get closer to finding your dream home it is a good idea to have us recommend a mortgage specialist to take you through a proper pre-approval.

Remember that there are close to 200 different loan programs to choose from, so the payment options and downpayments can vary tremendously. For the most current and accurate options, call or email us today and we can get you in touch with one of several great mortgage consultants who will be happy to help.

If you’re just starting to look for a new home in London, this booklet could be very helpful. It’s a comprehensive guide to the London and surrounding area real estate markets - have a look...

Click on the book for a copy of your Free Guide to London House Prices, or just click here. Inside, you’ll get pictures and price ranges for the most common house styles available, along with features and descriptions, so when you’re driving through these neighbourhoods you’ll know how much the houses generally sell for...

It’s like having the teacher’s edition of your high school algebra book!In the booklet, there are locator maps of London and the surrounding areas so you can find your way around.

Plus, the guide also includes important telephone numbers you’ll need -- like schools, municipal offices and utilities, which you can also find here.

It's guaranteed to be the best resource for researching prices, along with MarketWatch, in the entire marketplace.

London is known for its friendly quality of life and its harmonious blend of old and new, with all the advantages of a small town and an ideal location just a short drive from Metro Toronto or Michigan. We are located at the forks of the Thames River with lots of great restaurants, pubs, bistros, cafes, bike paths and walking trails.

The town has great schools and daycare, fine shopping, great golf and a complete range of family activities anchored by the John Labatt Centre which offers sports and concerts for your entertainment. It’s a fine place to live and raise a family because the country and city are both right next door.

See the links section to the right for more details about various London special events, organizations and amenities.

As real estate consultants, we understand that buying a home is a process, and the MarketWatch system is designed to give you an idea of values, get you familiar with the types of homes in the area, keep you posted regularly and educate you about the process of buying a home in London.

It's the step BEFORE you actually start looking, which is absolutely unique in the marketplace.

Click on the link to ask how you can take advantage of our FREE Home Finder Program, where our computers will search and match your exact wants and needs with ALL the new homes that come on the market each day. You can choose how often you want to receive these updates.

The FREE Home Finder Program is perfect for when you’re starting to look at homes, and you want to find out about NEW listings as soon as they come on the market.

You may also want to join us for a Saturday Tour of London to learn more about the different homes and neighbourhoods, or book a Buyer Planning and Strategy Seminar. Call 519-438-8000 for more information on our upcoming sessions.

When you sign up for a FREE MarketWatch subscription, you will get all listings in your desired area and price range mailed to you.

Along with the listings, you will also get a free one year subscription to our MarketWatch newsletter. The newsletter consists of information to help you become educated in the home buying process. Plus, there are current articles, booklets and other bonus material that is sent on an ongoing basis.

Every two weeks after the intial mailing, you will receive a mailing with all new listings and the MarketWatch Newsletter.

MarketWatch is a home buying plan developed for you to make your home search simple. If you’re looking to buy a home in London in the next 6-12 months, MarketWatch is for you. Best of all, it's FREE and easy.

"Your "MarketWatch" is the best comprehensive listing service that I have seen anywhere. There is absolutely no need to look elsewhere for listings in the London market area."

- Bob C.

"Without the MarketWatch newsletter and information our house hunting would have been a much more difficult and overwhelming experience. This service that you offer is extremely good, especially for people who are first time buyers as well as people who are new to London. I am very glad that we have been part of this 'group' for the last year. Thank you for a great and memorable experience."

This is a site for London MarketWatch subscribers to access some of the content we reference offline, like home listings with pictures and full details, school information, neighbourhood profiles and much more.

Check back often because we're always expanding and posting new information that will be helpful to you, including our weekly listing feeds to the right.

Our goal is to give you the information you need to make good, easy decisions on your way to buying a home in London...